priority

noun

pri·​or·​i·​ty prī-ˈȯr-ə-tē How to pronounce priority (audio)
-ˈär-
plural priorities
1
a(1)
: the quality or state of being prior
(2)
: precedence in date or position of publication
used of taxa
b(1)
: superiority in rank, position, or privilege
(2)
: legal precedence in exercise of rights over the same subject matter
2
: a preferential rating
especially : one that allocates rights to goods and services usually in limited supply
that project has top priority
3
: something given or meriting attention before competing alternatives

Examples of priority in a Sentence

Reorganizing the sales force will be a top priority for the new president. Getting the work done on time is a priority for me. She decided to go to the party instead of studying? Where are her priorities? I know you want to buy a new stereo, but right now, saving for college has to take priority.
Recent Examples on the Web Idaho Democrats held an angry news conference Friday afternoon after the Legislature has not passed new legislation on two of their primary priorities with days left in the session: health exceptions for abortions and protections for IVF. Ian Max Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 23 Mar. 2024 As the House left town for a two-week spring recess, with no imminent vote scheduled on removing the speaker, the punishing threat hangs over Johnson, of Louisiana, as the far-right flank once again seizes on the tactic, a disruptive tool used to make demands and leverage their own priorities. Lisa Mascaro, arkansasonline.com, 23 Mar. 2024 Many people living under military rule say elections aren’t a priority. Ruth MacLean, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2024 The family of a man who jumped into the Washington Channel and drowned as bystanders frantically dialed 911 has filed a lawsuit against the District, alleging that operators improperly characterized the calls as not warranting top priority status and slowed the emergency response. Keith L. Alexander, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024 Those members assailed the deal passed Friday for not clearing the way for deeper spending cuts and GOP priorities on border and migrant policy. Ken Tran, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2024 Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, furious they were left out of the negotiations, opposed its wishlist of GOP immigration priorities, including raising the threshold for asylum seekers and curbing presidential authority to parole migrants who face persecution in their home countries. Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2024 But rather than confronting the sophistication of the book, Netflix’s main priority with 3 Body Problem seems to be selling it as the next Game of Thrones (Benioff and Weiss’ last series). Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 21 Mar. 2024 Navigating the delicate balance of caring for a newborn and tending to the needs of older children, Decker shares that creating an environment where everyone feels their needs are met has been a priority. Kristina Behr, Parents, 12 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'priority.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of priority was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near priority

Cite this Entry

“Priority.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/priority. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

priority

noun
pri·​or·​i·​ty prī-ˈȯr-ət-ē How to pronounce priority (audio)
-ˈär-
plural priorities
1
: the quality or state of coming before another in time or importance
2
: a condition of being given attention before others
this project has top priority

Legal Definition

priority

1 of 2 noun
pri·​or·​i·​ty prī-ˈȯr-ə-tē How to pronounce priority (audio)
plural priorities
: precedence in exercise of rights in the same subject matter
secured interests have priority over unsecured ones

priority

2 of 2 adjective
1
: having precedence over another in the exercise of rights in the same subject matter
a priority creditor
a priority claim
2
: of or relating to priority
a priority contest

More from Merriam-Webster on priority

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